Federal safety regulators are investigating a potential issue affecting nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks following numerous consumer complaints about the transmission.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Monday that regulators received 138 complaints about F-150 vehicles from the 2015-2017 model years. These complaints allege that the trucks experienced an unrequested transmission downshift, which caused the vehicles to decelerate rapidly.
Some of the complaints also report that the sudden downshift caused the rear wheels to temporarily lock, seize, or skid, potentially increasing the risk of a crash and injury, according to the NHTSA.
The investigation specifically involves 2015-2017 F-150 trucks equipped with a 6-speed transmission. Maria Buczkowski, a spokesperson for Ford Motor Company, stated that the automaker is “working with the agency to support its investigation.”
The NHTSA is currently conducting a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the “scope and severity” of the safety issues warrant an official recall.
Ford F-150 pickup trucks are displayed for sale at a dealership.
Contributing: James Powel
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.
